Three legal experts will discuss:
- the role of the animal expert in court proceedings, including testimony in court as well as advising and educating attorneys
- preparation for testimony, including cross-examination
- best practices for the forensic witness
- war stories and current trends
This session will reduce the fear of the unknown and instill confidence in testifying by explaining what is expected of an expert witness and outline things one should and should not do on the stand. Veterinarians often are especially reluctant to become involved with cruelty cases because of the fear of testifying in what they consider a potential adversarial situation and may feel they must make the entire case or speak in absolutes.
Target audience: veterinarians, animal control officers, anyone who may engage in an animal cruelty or custody investigation and be asked to testify as an expert.
Speakers:
- Don Cocek, APA Fellow, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
- Gillian Deegan, Prosecutor, Botetourt County, Virginia
- Melinda Merck, DVM, Veterinary Forensics Consulting
Responses